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GOKYO VALLEY TREK WITH RENJO-LA PASS 14 DAYS

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Festivals in Nepal

Nepal is the country having unique and diverse living history and culture. It carries the history of thousands of years. Here, multi-religious, multi-cultural ethnic groups are settled down who enthusiastically celebrates different festivals and occasions. Festivals Tours in Nepal is a perfect way of experiencing the rich cultural essence.

Every day in a year is special for the Nepalese and it is said that within 365 days a year, there is 366 festivals that is celebrated by the people living in different part of Nepal. The festivals can be categorized as national cultural heritage to local cultural heritage and the festivals are celebrated based on Vedic Lunar Calendar (except National festivals). The festivals are the interesting ways to understand the diverse culture and customs of Nepalese people. The way of celebrating festivals are different in different community. Some of the interesting recognized festivals celebrated by the Nepalese are:

1. Nepal’s New Year and BisketJatra

Nepalese New Year falls on mid-April with the starting of spring on the Baishak month of Vedic Lunar Calendar. During this time, at the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a colorful festival is held called as BisketJatra. This festival is marked as the end of Chaitra and the blissful beginning of New Year which lasts for eight dayswith starting of this festival four days earlier to NawaBarsa. During this time, the procession of the two important deities, the Bhairav and the Bhadrakali is held in the Bhaktapur as well as the images of Lord Ganesh, Lakshmi and Mahakali are carried around the town. This festivals carries immense cultural significance for the people of the city.

It is believed that the Bhadgoan or Bhaktapur called this festival a Bisket in reference to the Newari words “bi” for “snake” and “syako” for “slaughter” forming a word Bisyako which eventually become Bisket and celebrated to commemorate the death of two serpent demon. The festival is linked with an interesting story about the princess of Bhadgoan who was so excessively passionate that eventually resorted the conscripting from among the inhabitants a different man each night to satisfy her needs. It has become a fear among the villagers. Once, a traveler stay at the home of an old women who had only a son and it was time for him to live with that princess. Seeing old women in grief, he promise to go instead of her son. At night when princess was sleeping, he in fear hide himself with sword in his hand. He saw a thread coming out of the princess nostrils which further expanded to a giant serpent looking for their usual victims. The man killed the serpents and let himself alive. Seeing the couple alive, the king bestowed honor to the prince and to control the mass at the palace, king hung the serpents in a pole. And on the day of New Year, with the procession of the deities Bhairav and Bhadrakali, this festival is celebrated even displaying long colorful ribbon symbolizing those serpents and victory.

The festival starts with the procession and play Tug-of-War by the townsmen with a belief of bringing prosperity and good fortune to locality where the procession held. Even, mass gather at the premises of Bhaktapur to see the erection of two wooden pillars representation the demolition of the devil. Another interesting event is held at Thimi where KhatJatra is held and played with red and orange color power all the way and known as SindureJatra. Likewise, the most interesting event of this Bisketjatra is “tongue-piercing” by the volunteer from one of family living at Bode. A volunteer tongue is pierced by the priest in a spiritual trance with an iron spike and walk around the town shouldering a round bamboo rack with flaming touch. It carries a belief of successful completion of the painful rite brings good fortune to the villagers and volunteer himself. And the Jatra ends up with offering of delicious food to the deity and taking them to the respective temples. This is one of the biggest festival for the people living in Bhaktapur and one of the ancient cultural heritage of Nepal. Grab the opportunity to witness the ancient living heritage of Nepal.

2. BaishakPurinima as Buddha Jayanti

The full moon day of the month Baishak (April/May), is auspicious for the follower of Buddhism and for the Nepalese, which is celebrated as the day of Buddha. This is the day of celebrating a triple anniversary of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and salvation, this day is celebrated as Buddha Jayanti by the Nepalese. On this day, the sacred Buddhist shrine especially Swyambhu Stupa, Boudha Stupa, Lumbini-birth place of Buddha and Namobuddha are visited by the devotees and wish for the peace and prosperity in the world.

On this day, parade groups can be seen in the street at different cities of Kathmandu Valley holding images of Lord Buddha. Huge devotees get participated in the parade of Boudhanath Stupa where monks mount an image of The Master on the back of an elephant and follow it around the shrine in solemn procession, their long maroon robes swaying majestically as they chant in unison praises to his name. Even the parade move toward Chabahil stupa which was built by the Indian princess Charumati, daughter of the Emperor Ashoka. She married Nepalese prince and in her old age, erected monument to Buddha.

3. JanaiPurnima

On the full moon day of the month Shrawan (August) as per Vedic calendar, is celebrated as JanaiPurnima. It is an auspicious festival related to sacred thread. The sacred thread is called as JanaiorYajnopavita in Sanskrit word. This is an important thread to be worn by every male member of Hindus community, compulsorily by the Brahmin and Kshetris; after the performance of UpanayanorBrathavanda. A boy reaching an age of 5 and above need to perform Upanayan and by ritualistic performance is permitted to worn Yajnopavitaas well as receives some mantras from a priest. From this time, a boy must wear Yajnopavita every day of his lifeand bound with restrictions and abstinence being a member of a Hindu society.

On this JanaiPurnima, priest chant mantras and a man will changed thread ritualistically. For this day, a man should took a fasting on the proceeding day taking one meals avoiding garlic, onion and no meat items at all. He should purify himself taking a bath, trimming or balding hair as well as cut down the nails. At the morning of this day, he should perform a ritual act for changing the sacred thread. Normally, in the morning time, a family priest arrives at home, learnt some story about the season and month; chant the mantras for wearing of sacred thread. During this time, every member of a family round the priest to hear the holy story and tie sacred thread in wrist too. The sacred thread for hand is called as RakshyaBandan and found of different colors especially yellow. Based on these wearing rituals, this day is also called as RakshyaBandan. On this day, most of the temple specially the temple of Lord Shiva, are occupied by the priests and devotees and involve in wearing sacred thread.

For this auspicious day, every house gets smelled with the appetizing Kwanti. “Kwanti”is a Nepalese food cooked for this specific day. It is a mixture of nine different dried beans; sprouted by soaking in water. It is mandatory to cook this food item on this day. In addition, the Nepalese farmer will offer food items to the frog in a ceremony called as “ByanchaJanake”. A frog is offered some rice and beans items in the field thanking them for rain; as, frog are taken to be responsible for rain and bring happiness to the farmer.

4. Gai Jatra

GaiJatra, a cow procession is an especial festival celebrated to take the deceased soul to Heaven. In the Hindu community, cow is considered most honored animals and considered a sacred. The cow is a symbol of the Earth. It gives and feeds that represents life and the support of life. Hence, with an intention of guiding and protecting departed soul on the way to Yama Gate, a cow is inspected to help by allowing it to cling to her tail. Yamaraj is a “God of Death” who decides at what level the souls of the deceased shall be reincarnated on the earth and the journey to his gate is exceedingly difficult. So, the families of deceased soul pray for comfortable journey and engaged in volunteering, distribute some sweets, biscuits and juice.

It is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by the locals especially by the Newar Community of Kathmandu valley and those belongs to this community. On this day, the families who have lost their member during past year came in a procession with a cow and if not availablethen a young boy is used as a substitute and joined a procession to make sure their lost loved one has a place in heaven. According to the legend, people walked through the mythical Baitarini River holding the tail of a cow to reach heaven. The history of this festival goes back to 17th century. It was the time of Malla ruling period when King PratapMalla was in throne. The royal family mainly queen stuck in a deep grief after death of their son. Hence, King invited people to march in antique costumes and perform some play in front of his palace to make his grief- stricken wife feel better after the death of his son. Afterward, the queen smiled and accepted the loss of her son. Then onwards, Tradition starts on foot and people who lost a family during the year would take part in the festival by leading a cow along the precession.

This is the festival of both grief and joy. As the families of deceased came out remembering them making a parade with music, songs and antique costumes; symbolizes the acceptance of death as a reality of life.

The different cities of Kathmandu valley devotedly celebrate this festival and every cities has their own way of celebration. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Kirtipur, Nuwakot, Gokarna and Birgunj are some of the cities where this festival is actively celebrated.

5. Krishna Janmathami

The eight incarnation of lord Vishnu is renowned as Lord Krishna. He is famous among the Hindus with the interesting stories linked with his birth, childhood, romance and heroism act. He is considered to be the promise of ultimate achievements of man soul winning over the evils, an eternal love among the people and god.

On the seventh nights’ and proceeding day of lunar fortnight, is celebrated as a birthday of Lord Krishna. The Puranas, the great epic “The Mahabharata” and many other Hindu Granthas tells about the birth and life of Lord Krishna. A miraculous story is linked with the birth of Lord Krishna. The story tells that Devaki was very loving sister of Kamsa; a cruel King of Mathura. He married his beloved sister to Vasudeva. Amazing voice from sky heard announcing of end of Kamsa by eighth son of Devaki. Then, frightened Kamsa immediately tried to kill his sister and brother-in law. Then, Vasudeva tried to convince him and promised to handover newly born child to him. Vasudeva and Devaki were imprisoned in the palace prison.

Devaki give birth to a child and was killed by Kamsa. In this way, he killed every new born child till first six sons. Seventh one was saved by the pervading power of Lord Vishnu and transferred fetus from Devaki’s womb o Rohini’s. Rohini was also a wife of Vasudeva and she gave birth to Balarama. At the time of eighth one, Kamsa chained as well as strictly kept eyes on them in prisoned as well as planned to kill the eighth one as like others. This has led the couple a bit afraid for their fate and baby. Suddenly, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of them and tells as he is coming to save them as well as the people of Mathura from Kamsa. Likewise, Vasudeva was advice to carry eighth child to the house of a friend of him,chief cowherd, Nanda in Gokul.

When eighth child was born on the mid night, Vasudeva get freed of chain and the locked gates get opened. The environment become soundless and every guard get drugged to sleep. Remembering the divine instructions Vasudeva get ready to take away the child to tGokula. Considering safety, Vasudeva put a baby in a basket and headed toward the house of Nanda to exchange baby with a baby born at Nanda House by Yashoda. At that time, heavy rainfall and lightening make the environment horrible. Vasudeva cross the hazardous Yamuna River and went near to Yashoda’s bed. She has given birth to a girl and Vasudeva exchange it with his baby and took away a girl with him. As he reached to the prison, everything becomes normal. Kamsa was informed about the born of a baby from Devaki.

When Kamsa came to know about the birth, he rushed inside the prison and tried to kill the baby. But these times it skipped from his hand and flew over the sky, believed to reachedto the heaven. She was transformed into the goddess Yogamaya, shouted Kamsa saying, your enemy who is going to kill you is already born somewhere else."

Such news led Kamsa to kill every child born on same date. Similarly, in his youth, Krishna killed Kamsa along with all his cruel associates, liberated his parents from prison, and replace UgraSen as the King of Mathura The story about Krishna is loved by every Hindus and belief of presence of Lord Krishna in every soul of man that takes away the evil spirit bringing good object among the people.

To celebrate an auspicious time of Lord Vishnu born as Lord Krishna, Krishna JanmaAsthami is celebrated.

6. Teej- Women’s festival

The festival celebrated by the Nepalese women which falls on August/September and last especially for three days. While observing the ritual and ceremonies, the women strive for what is desired- happy and productive marriage, good fortune and long life for her husband and even purify her own body and soul. Celebrating this festival, women must undergo penances and rigid fasting, the severity of which is alleviated by lavish feasts, laughter and dancing in good fellowship with sisters devotees. This festival is associated with the Goddess Parvati- the power of universe and consort of Lord Shiva. The mythology describe about the rigorous fasting and meditation done by Parvati with an intention to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Interestingly, the first day of Teej is called as “Dar Khane”, when the women indulge themselves and their appetites to the fullest for the next day strictest fasting. Every women appear in a colorful clothes especially red wearing important jewelries and belongings. The temple of Lord Shiva are occupied by the devotees and all the way to temple get beautified by the beautiful ladies just engage in singing, dancing and enjoying fasting. Likewise, thousands of devotees visit the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. For twenty-four hours, they will neither take a morsel of food nor will a drop of water and taking such is consider a sinful act. The following day is especially a Ganesh Chauthi when the devotees of Lord Ganesh go to the temple and offer sweet-ball.

The last day of Teej is called as Rishi Pamchami, when the ladies need to purify herself. On this day partial fasting is observed with a long ritual holy bath. The ladies has to perform this ritual bath mandatorily binding in a very strict rules. She clean every part of her body with a red mud and a Miswak for 360 times. After completing bath, she participate in a ritual worship of Seven Saints (Sapta Rishi) offering some bushes, flowers, food and accessories. On this day, women and girls wait for hours in a queues to approach the temple of Sapta Rishi at Teku, Kathmandu.

7. Indra Jatra

IndraJatra, a biggest and exciting festival of the Kathmandu symbolizing the beginning of autumn. It falls on the month of September and last for eight days. Actually, IndraJatra is the overlapping of two different occasion which carries a historic and mythological significance to the former Lichchhavi and Malla kingdom of Nepal. This festival is called as YanyaPunhi in local language means the festivals of Kathmandu and the festival is remember for two special occasions: IndraJatra (About Rain God) and the Living Goddess Kumari.

IndraJatra is believed to be continuing from the time of Lichchavi Period, initiated by the former king Gunakamadeva. During this festival, the event express the story about imprisoned of the god Indra after he was caught by the local while taking a flower in Kathmandu. And was later freed after knowing him to be the rain god Indra who came to take a rare jasmine flower for curing of her mother Dakini, who further promised the residents a boon.

The KumariJatra on third day of IndraJatra is celebrated from the time of Jaya Prakash Malla of Medieval Nepal. It is an auspicious day of showing a tribute to the goddess Taleju. The story tells about the goddess Taleju, the main deity of Malla Kings used to came at the palace to play a dice with the King. The king, overwhelmed by desire, misbehave her. Suddenly, the goddess disappear and stop to come at palace which make king guilt about his act. One night, King dreamed about the goddess when she tell him to appear in a virgin-girl. Afterward, identifying a girl, he ordered to build a separate home for a Kumari and make her a “Living Goddess”. From that time, a procession is held when Goddess Kumari is taken out in a chariot. Which falls on the third day of IndraJatra.

The festival begins with the erection of a wooden pole infront of the Basantapur Durbar Square. The pole is carried especially from Nala of Kathmandu valley that should be of pine tree. The most important event is held on the third day when thousands of people gather at the Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness the chariot of Living Goddess Kumari along with the chariot of the representative of Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairav as wll as the interesting mask performance. The procession is taken to the ancient route of Kathmandu. Another attraction of this event is the mask dancer including the Lakhey, Pullukisi and Sowa Vakku joining the procession with their own music. The mask dancer especially Lakhey and Pullukisi make a route for the chariot. The procession is bring back in the evening after which the family member of departed one is gather at the western side of Kasthamandap holding oil-lamp and make a parade to walk around the Kathmandu following “Dangi” – mother of Indra who has promised to take all the departed soul to Heaven. Likewise, in a tall platform at Maru, a side of Kasthamandap, the god Indra is displayed with his outstretch hands bound with rope. Similarly, at different locality, Bhairav is exhibited among which the largest one is SwetaBhairav beautifully displayed infront of Bhairav temple. The festival end with the lowering of the pole at the Basantapur Durbar Square.

8. Dumje

Dumje is a community festival of the Solu-Khumbu of Nepal. It falls on the month of May/June based on Buddhist Lunar Calendar with the beginning of agricultural cycle. It is celebrated to honor the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche birth on Lotus. Lama SangwaDorjee, the founder of earliest monastery of Khumbu at Pangboche, has started the celebration of Dumjee festival for the first time around 360 years ago. It has both the religious and community values bringing villagers together in the monastic community. The main ritual includes the purification of the space for ritual, the calling or invocation of both the transcendental and the local deities and the offering of the place. The offering consists of seven substances, praise supplication and recitation of mantra in course of meditation. This festival is celebrated in the monasteries of Solukhumbu including the monastery of Namche, Pangboche, Tengboche, Khumjung and Junbesi.

During this festivals, community have to serve the food and drinks to the visitors. And every 10 to 15 years, it comes to one family member who is responsible to arrange all facilities. The monks of monastery perform a mask dance who appears with colorful costumes and amazing masks symbolizing the protectors of the Buddhist Doctrine.

9. Mani Rimdhu

Manirimdhu is one of the annual festival that falls on the 10th month of Tibetan Lunar Calendar during mid-October to mid-November. It is a nineteen days sequence of sacred ceremonies and empowerments, concluding in a three days public festival. The nine days ceremony and meditation, is called as Drupchen and concluded by special blessing ceremony given by Rinpoche to the general public followed by the world renowned mask dance. This festival is a recreation of legendary events; establishment of Buddhism in the Tibet by the Guru Rinpoche Padmasambav. A dance is performed by the monks who first take vows at empowerment ceremony with Trulshing Rinpoche. While performing dance, the monk become deities and the dances are regarded as sacred which is performed only during Manirimdhu. The dance convey Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most profound.

From the beginning until the end of the festival, regular 24 hours ritual worship is done by the monks to consecrate the Mandala, the Mani Rilwa Pills (Sacred Pills), The Tshereel (Pills for long life) and the Torma.

10. Tiji

At the capital city of Upper Mustang- Lo-Manthang, a fascinating annual festival is held for three days which is called as Tiji. This festival is announced by the Rinpoche of Gumba and usually falls on the month of May. Tiji or Tenji is abbreviated from the word “TempaChhirim” which means the prayer for the World Peace. This festival is celebrated as “the chasing of the demons”.

Myth related to this festival is a series of celebration of the victory over the demon. There was a demon name MA TAM RU TA who trouble the villagers and their livestock causing storms and droughts. A deity name DorjeJono battle against the demon who was unfortunately his own father, to save kingdom of Mustang from Destruction.

The demonstration is performed by the monks of CHHYODE GUMBA, is the main attraction of this festival. ChhyodeGumba is the shelter of around 65 monks having Rinpoche as the head. For three days, mask dance is performed displaying the story of the harassment of the MA TAM RU TA, the birth of Dorji- son of demon and attempt by Dorji to return the demon to the Buddha realm. First day mask dance is called as TSA CHHAM, shows the harassment of demon; second day dance is called as NGA CHHAM shows the birth of DorjiJono and third and the final day is called as RHA CHHAM which shows the attempts to return of the demon to the Buddha realm.

11. Holi

On the month of Falgun full moon day, a festival of color is celebrated, called as Holi. This festival is also renowned as FaguPurnima. It is a special day celebrated by the Hindus and popular among every age of people. People involve in splashing different colors to each other with full of fun.

Getting mythical importance in every festival, this festival includes an interesting story about the great devotees of Lord Vishnu named Praladh, son of a Demon, Hiranyakasyapu who wanted all to worship him only. However, he get failed to convince his own son Praladh. Then, he planned to kill his own five years old son. He ordered his sister Holika to kill Praladh. As per planning, Holika get ready with fire proofed dress and take Praladh in a flame. However, due to devotion of Praladh towards Lord Krishna rescued safely and Holika burnt in a fire. It was then called as HolikaDahan, means the end of Holika further became Holi.People celebrated the end of Holika with colors, which get continuation in Hindu society as Holi. Also, still there is tradition of making Hay Holika and burn it on the night of Chaturdasi and then celebrate a Holi.

12. MahaShivaratri

An auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva is Shivaratri. It is the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdasi under Nepalese Lunar Calendar. It is believed that the LingobhavMoorti of lord Shiva self-immerged at the midnight on this day and further called it as a Shivaratri. Meanwhile, there are many stories linked behind the celebration of Shivaratri.

One story relates Shivaratri with the time of “SamundraManthan”. During SamundraManthan, the poison disastrously came out from a pot that starts to create destruction on the universe. For the sake to protect the universe from the devastation, Lord Shiva drank the poison and managed to keep it in his throat. This perilous step of him turned his throat to blue. Since then, his name also remains as “Nilkantha”- Blue throat. The universe being protected by such act of Lord Shiva, people were thankful to him. It was a night of “Falgun Krishna Chaturdasi”, and people dedicated the time for Lord Shiva and celebrate it as “Shivaratri”.

The Vedic religion belief four different nights as a chief time; they are Moharatri, Kalaratri, Sukharatri and Shivaratri. This is the time when god and goddess are worshipped.Among these nights, Shivaratri is the time when Lord Shiva is worshipped with great devotion. This night is also called as “Maha Shiva Ratri”. Shivaratri is taken as propitious time that allows one to attain the Bhoga and Mokshya.

Every temple dedicated to lord Shiva get mass of devotees and praying for their prosperous life. Biggest fest is held at Pashupatinath Temple and the surrounding is occupied by the devotees from Nepal as well as India. Pashupati Temple is believed to be the origin of Lord Shiva. The devotees from India especially from Nagaland of India came Nepal and stay inside the temple square. For this day, Marijuana and cannabis is openly used by the devotees and is freed by the government at the premises of Pashupati Temple Square.

13. Holy month Magh- SwasthaniBrata Katha

In Nepal, some month are considered very special and sacred. One is the month Magh, from the full moon day till next full moon day. The full moon day is called as SwasthaniPurnima, mark as the first day of a month devoted to religious fasting, holy bathing and the study of the swasthani religious text. The book is worshipped for whole month offering some sweets glorifies the Goddess Swasthani and the merits of a month long fast is held in her honor. The book explains about the Creation of Universe, propounding of Lord Shiva as Mahadeva and Lord Vishnu as Narayana, paramount deities whose miraculous feast invariably resulted in peace, prosperity and spiritual bliss for the suffering, lifting them from the chaos of pain and poverty. The Swasthani shows how the rage of neglected gods spells ruins for the sinful, and point out the redemption if he apologize and devotes himself to righteousness.

A month fest is held at the bank of Salinadi which lies at oldest city of great sanctity, Shaku or Sakwo in the north-east of Kathmandu Valley. Here, devotees specially women in a red cotton stay for a month taking ritual holy bath thrice daily, take vegetarian meal a day and sleep on hard mattress listening the Swasthani stories as well as spend hours chanting the names of gods.

Throughout the thirty days devout men perform special penance by walking through the streets or around the temples carrying earthen jars on their heads that have been pierced with holes through which countless hollow straws protrude. Devotees pour holy water into the pots, which then pours down over their body, however continue to chant mantras of Mahadeva-Narayan. The act is done with a belief of washed away sins.

This a sacred month and the first day of month on the full moon day, the follower of Lord Vishnu celebrates as Mila Punhi. On this day, a chariot of Lord Vishnu from the hilltop Changu is carried out and passes through the narrow crowed streets of Kathmandu, Ason-Indrachowk, led by some elderly soldiers and musicians. The Chariot is placed with a silver water vase called as Kalash engraved with images of Lord Vishnu. The parade stopped at the entrance of the Taleju Temple waiting to be greeted by the living goddess Kumari and religious ceremony is conducted in the light of flaming torches. The goddess Kurmari came with a music group and seat facing the Narayan and ritual worship is performed. Soon, the gate of Taleju Temple is opened and the chariot of Narayan is taken inside. Gun cracks is done by the military of Hanuman Dhoka and Goddess Kumari returned back to her resident.

Throughout the month, the devotees go to different temples especially at the Salinadi and worshipped the deities. Any activities done during this time is considered auspicious and believe of every success. Likewise, during this month, Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped thanking for the knowledge and prosperity. She is worshipped students on the day of BasantaPanchami symbolizing the day of starting if spring season.

14. MagheShankrati and Maghi

In the mid-January, an auspicious festival of Nepalese is celebrated called as MagheSankrati or MakarSankrati. It falls on the tenth month of Nepalese Calendar on the first day of the month Magh. On this day, people take a holy bath at the sacred rivers and offers water to sun. The bank of rivers like Bagmati and Sankhamul in Kathmandu, Dolalghat, BarahaKshetra, RuruKshera get huge number of devotees for taking holy bath and even a fair is held. The holy bath taken on this day is called as MakkarSnan. This festival is celebrated in Nepalese family with great enthusiasm. Every house celebrates. Food and culture for this festival is different among the different communities however taking a holy bath is common among all. The special food eaten on this day is “Chakku” made of sugarcane juice with Ghee and some sweet ball of black and white sesame as well as Yam. And take a sesame oil message with a belief of healthier and warmer body in the winter.

This MagheSankrati is one of the biggest festival of the “Tharus”, an indigenous group living in the Terai Belt of Nepal. They called this festival as Maghi and is also a new year for them. They celebrate this festival for a week and is the time for choosing leaders for marriage, farming and cowherds. During this time, people clean their house and decorate for a new year. Even some traditional dance are performed in a Tharu community like Shakiyanach, Haridangwa, Ghumra, Jhumra, Magahauta, Jharra and Lathwa which are the highlights of this festival. The interesting Tharu Cuisines are crab pickle, fish, sesame seed ball, pork curry, and a variety of meat like Bagiya, Dhikkri and Jharra roti which are served on this special occasions. Similarly, during this time, Tharus involve in Budgeting for a whole year.

15. Father’s day as GokarnaAushi

During August/September, the month Bhadra is fall as per Nepalese calendar. On this month, the last day of dark fortnight- “KrishnaPakshyaAmabashya”-, is called as “KusheAushi”. The KusheAushi is named after the sacred grass called “Kush”.

As Kush is a seasonal grass, it is planted on the month of Shwaran and cut down on the month of Bhadra especially on this day. During winter season, this grass will not grow.

On this day, chanting certain mantras, Brahmans cut down the grass “Kush”, then distribute it to every home of Jajamanas. In the Hindus family, Kush is very important that is required for sacred worship of god as well as ancestors.

This is an auspicious day to honor father in Nepalese family and called as Father’s day. The culture and tradition are followed for admiration of one’s father in life and after death. Considering a special day for Father, he is offered with delicious foods, clothes and belongings. Those who do not have their father and to remember ancestor, they came at Gokarna for the “Tarpan” and “Shradha”. And the day is also called as “GokarneAushi”. On this day, a fest is held at Gokarneshowr Temple. People from different place of Nepal came at “Uttar Gaya GokarneshworPitamaha Pilgrimage” for the peace and restful life of death soul. People purify themselves bathing at Bagmati River and offered water to the soul of the names of deceased ancestors letting water from a cupped palm. It is believed that those who did “Shradha” on this day will receive devoutness virtue- mentioned in Nepal MahatmyaHimmbatKhanda.

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Decided to do something 'epic' with my daughter for my 50th - perfect choice!
Nittam responded fully and quickly to all questions prior to the trip - very professional.
On arrival in Nepal, we were completely looked after - met at airport, lovely quiet hotel near the busy Thamel central area, down . . ”

NashipaiiJuly 21 2016

Fantastic Trek to EBC and Three Passes

Gokyo Valley & Base Camp Trek Via Everest 3 Passes-19 Days

“
It was my first time in Nepal and I did Everest High Passes Trek Group Joining trip this March. Everything from my arrival till departure was very perfect.
It was late evening at the time of my arrival and I was welcomed outside of terminal gate and transfer to Hotel. I even walk around the city at . . ”

Maria StoianovaJuly 21 2016

Best trip

Island Peak Climbing- 20 Days

“
Namaste to everyone, I am James. I did Island Peak climbing this March was awesome. It was great experience for me. I first did High Passes, Everest Base camp trek and finally Island Peak was longer but amazing. I want to thank Nittam for organizing wonderful trip and choosing Deepak as my trekking guide. . . ”

JamesJuly 21 2016

Great Mera Peak Trek!

Mera Peak Climbing-18 Days

“
Hi, I am Jill. And I am thankful to Hiking Nepal for letting me to share my experience on my Mera Peak Climb.
Well, it was my second visit to Everest region and this time, I joined Mera Peak Climbing with other three friends. From the time of my arrival till my stay in Nepal, everything was perfect; . . ”

JillJuly 21 2016

Wonderful stay in Nepal

Best of Nepal Tour-9 Days

“
This autumn, I planned to trip in Nepal and I choose Hiking Nepal to organize a family tour for us. Very quick and complete information, great job! Wish all the best to Hiking Nepal.
From the time of welcome, we got great services. Throughout the trip, we enjoy a lot. Our stay at Apsara boutique . . ”

Jim SmithJuly 21 2016

Adventurous time in Nepal

Island Peak Climbing- 20 Days

“
It was my second time with Hiking Nepal and to Everest. This Autumn I did Island peak climbing joining in a group. It was amazing and adventurous too. Thanks to Hiking Nepal team for making my holiday a wonderful and adventurous one. My climbing Sherpa Mr. Chotten was very friendly, caring and appreciative. . . ”

SarahJuly 21 2016

Best memories!

Gokyo Valley & Base Camp Trek Via Everest 3 Passes-19 Days

“
I had spent this spring in Nepal and it was my first time. I trekked to Everest 3 Passes. Amazingly great trekking experience of my life, but tough days. Special thanks to Hiking Nepal for great arrangement, friendly guide (Mr. Deepak) and porter (Sujan) who treat me a part of their family and make my . . ”

Louis ClaesJuly 21 2016

Great trek for lifetime experience!

Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit Trek-15 Days

“
My girlfriend and I were interested for adventure trekking in Nepal and Annapurna circuit was our choice. We contacted few local companies for our trip booking. Ms. Nittam from Hiking Nepal was very prompt with her information, package detailed so we booked this trek with them.
We traveled this August, . . ”

NathanJuly 21 2016

tiresome trek to Island peak

Island Peak Climbing- 20 Days

“
Hi,
My holiday of this November was horrible. I did Island Peak climbing and it was my second visit to Everest region of Nepal. As expected, my flight get delayed due to bad weather for 2 days n I choose to charter a heli directly to Chukkung. I stayed there for 2 days to acclimatize with the altitude. . . ”

Brian GardenerJuly 21 2016

Great experience of Mustang trek with Hiking team

Mustang Valley Trek-17 Days

“
Namaste,
Samantha n I did a holiday plan to Nepal. We enquired our interest to different agencies of Nepal. We got a good response from all but we found Hiking Nepal, a more authentic and systematic. We then choose Hiking Nepal to plan our holiday and it was late June when we arrive Nepal. They suggested . . ”

JackJuly 21 2016

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Santuary Trek-17 Days

“
Hello Namaste,
I am Jill, and I have done Annapurna Base Camp trek on March 2016. It was great time with interesting blossoms flowers everywhere and a clean views of mountain surrounding the beautiful villages. I had done a solo trip with a guide and porter who were very helpful, and friendly. I have . . ”

JillJuly 21 2016

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Trek- 16 Days

“
I had been looking at trekking companies since February and never committing due to being uncertain which company to go with due to the mass amount of options. Hiking Nepal caught my eye with the wide variety of options across multiple countries and were very quick to respond daily on multiple occasions . . ”